Ohr Torah. Pietrkov, 1920. First Edition. Uncommon Book

Ohr Torah. Pietrkov, 1920. First Edition. Uncommon Book
Ohr Torah - novellae, sermons, calculations and words of mussar and Chassidut on chumash Bereishit by the holy Admor, Rabbi Meir Yechiel HaLevi [Holstock] of Ostrovtze. It was the only book by the author published during his lifetime. The stamp of his disciple, the book's editor, Rabbi Yosef Yehudah Leibush Rosenberg, a Lodz rabbi, is on the title page. Rare.
Rabbi Meir Yechiel HaLevi Holstock [1851-1928] was among the famed geonim and tzaddikim of Jewish Poland, which was the metropolis of Charedi Jewry. He was known as "Sar HaTorah" ["Minister of Torah"]. A disciple of the Admo"r Rabbi Elimelech of Grodzinsk and of Rabbi Yehushua of Kutna, he was selected to serve as rabbi of Sakernowitz at the age of just 28 in 1880. Starting in 1889, he served as rabbi of Ostrovtze for about 40 years. He was known for his righteousness and asceticism. He fasted for 40 years straight, breaking his fast with just a light meal at night. It was only upon the outbreak of the Holocaust that the righteous of his generation understood the purpose of his fasting. They compared him to the tanna Rav Tzaddok, who fasted before the destruction of the Temple. His was known from his youth for his tremendous sharpness, but he refused to commit his Torah novellae to writing. This is his only book printed during his lifetime. It was edited by his renowned disciple, Rabbi Yosef Yehudah Leibush Rosenberg of Lodz, with his stamp.
30; 262 pages. 22 cm. Fine condition. Minimal aging stains. Isolated worming perforations.